Thursday, December 13, 2007

Praising God for Progess

A terrific update. About 30 mins after getting into her new room as I was observing her and feeling somewhat downtrodden, I noticed that she moved her left leg. She moved her left leg! At first I thought maybe I was seeing things from the stress and exhaustion but then she did it again, and even started moving her foot around.

I wanted to open the door of the room and yell down the hallway, "THANK YOU LORD". I didn't because that is not my type of personality, so I whispered it instead and raised my hands.

About 5 minutes later, Dr. Forget dropped in for a visit and was very excited to hear the news. He did a quick neuro check and she lifted her leg and her arm. She has improved to around a 3 on a scale of 5 (earlier I thought it was on 10 point scale, actually it is a 5 point scale). Praise God. He removed her turban (bandage) and she said it feels much better without it rubbing on the incision site and stitches.

Finally, the speech therapist came in a tested Kate with her swallowing. She did just fine and is now able to drink and eat solid foods (easing into these). She is off the morphine and back on Tylenol, which seems to work just fine.

Thanks for keeping up with our story and for all of your prayers and support.

PRAISE GOD! We will continue to pray for strength, endurance, and complete healing and recovery. Thanks so much for your updates. It really helps to know what specifics need to be covered in prayer. Take care and rest in His love, mercy, and grace.

Yeah!! WHOO HOOO!! What great news to hear about Kate moving her left side. We'll keep the prayers going in our family. I kept thinking "wait; wait on the Lord". He is so FAITHFUL!! GOD ROCKS AND SO DOES KATE!!!

To use dee dee's phrase, "News from the homefront." Needless to say when Dave called with the news I just cried. Grateful thanks to Our Lord Jesus Christ. Grateful thanks to Him for the superb skills of Dr. Forget. For all those faithful people who waited for hours yesterday at St. John's. And of course for all those mighty prayer warriors last night and today. I noticed one from Korea. The body of Christ is busy across the world. This mother thanks you.All is well on the home front with boys, dee dee and Gram. I think we will sleep well tonight.

PRAISE PRAISE PRAISE GOD!!! I'll yell it for you Dave! THANK YOU LORD!!! Can you even imagine the number of people who have been praying to God so expectantly ... just anticipating the very words you just wrote on your last post?! Just look at all of these responses pouring in ... waiting faithfully all day for God to answer. There it is! THANK YOU JESUS! And thank you both for sharing your story. In His Awesome Love, Doug, Lynne & Pogue Family

Praise God Glory for his wonderful presence with us in all of our sorrows and hears every word of prayers alot of prayers going up for you and Kate May God continue blessing your family hold strong to that faith Praise God Im so happy for your family for the good news. From Phoenix still praying for you Have a restful night tonight you deserve it.

Hannah has been perseverating over Kate's weakness on her left side. Just like she did this summer at the pool when she thought she broke her toe. Every 5 minutes, she is asking me to check the blog for an update on Mrs S's condition...

Kate and Dave,Grandpa and I are rejocing at the progress that you are making. After Gram called to give me the update I relayed the news to Grandpa and he had tears in his eyes as did I.I am trying to get cabinets organized so that Grandpa's "special helpers" will find things easily.I'm also working on my "denture tip" list and "how to apply eye drop list"So Gram, you can play and take care of Carter, Cole and Stewart but I get to play with eyedrops and dentures and on occasion enema's. Better stew those prunes tonight!Over and out in Washington,Momy home away from homeConstantly talking to Jesus in your behalf. Love you lotsMary Jo

Praise the Lord! For he has heard my cry for mercy. The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving.

I heard about your family's story from Especially Heather's blog and was so touched by your strength, faith, and devotion during such a difficult time. I'm so happy to hear the good news that Kate can move her left side. I pray for her continued healing and both Kate and your continued strength and grace.

Come let us sing for joy to the Lord; let us shout aloud to the Rock of our salvation. Let us come before Him with thanksgiving and extol Him with music and song. Psalm 95:1-2I am singing for JOY to the Lord- He is worthy of all praise- Sleep well tonight- as you both rest in Him- Love in Christ- Jen Peskorseand Bill flying home from Korea!

I was hesitant about going to the hospital today. I wasn't sure if I was emmotionally ready to see my usually vivacious sister limp, immobile on half her body. I was sad for her. And I didn't think that I could be brave enough to comfort her, or to not break down. I just wouldn't know what to say.

Last night was a tossing and turning kind of event, as many of you could imagine. There was too much to think about, too many realistic hypotheticals, and all of it is too unsettling to list here.

Tonight, I got over my reluctancy and went to the hospital, because it's not about my fears, it's about Kate. As I was waiting at the information counter to find Kate's room, Dave walks by. He told me the very recent news about her left leg lifting. I couldn't believe it. I spent an entire night and day preparing myself for the worst.

I get to Kate's room and she is awake, although groggy. She asks me, "What are fairies and sprites?" And I think, oh no, we've lost her. I look at Dave who explains that she had read a story to the boys the other night that had sprites in it, and they didn't know what that was. I try to answer.

My sister then tells me to hold her left hand, which was limp on a pillow, and I do. She squeezed my hand weakly, but it felt much stronger than could be described here. And of course I break down, because it's amazing and I just don't know what to say. And my sister cries too.

I am so greatful and relieved that you are able to move your left arm and leg. I feel that our prayers have been answered. Only wish that I were closer so I could help our where needed. Your Indiana family loves you very much. Kathy

James 5:13-16"Is any one of you in trouble? He should pray. Is anyone happy? Let him sing songs of praise. Is any one of you sick? He should call the elders of the church to pray over him and anoint him with oil in the name of the Lord. And the prayer offered in faith will make the sick person well; the Lord will raise him up. If he has sinned, he will be forgiven. Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous man is powerful and effective."

Praising God with you tonight for answered prayer!Love to you both,Michelle Roloff

Praise God is right!!!!!I'm so happy for everyone. God is so good!!!Keep moving that leg Kate. I'm so proud of you. God has been with us all the way. What an awesome God he is. Kate, you and Dave deserve a good nights rest. alleluia. Sue Meyer (CBS)

AS I HAVE ALWAYS TOLD KATE! GOD IS MUCH BIGGER THAN CANCER AND IS MUCH BIGGER THAN LEFT SIDE WEEKNESS! THANK YOU GOD FOR YOUR HEALING......God, please help the entire Snodgrass family sleep well tonight. comfort those little boys as they must miss their mommy and worry when she is gone. Give them the tightest hugs ever! Amen!Love, April Curtis

Tonight I had an opportunity to spend several hours with Kate while Dave went home to see the boys & Sandy. During that time, Kate moved her leg about 10 times, and once pulled it up to a bended position on the bed. I was elated to see the progress with my own eyes. Praise the Lord for His goodness and grace! NOTHING is impossible with God.

Thank you Thank you THANK YOU, LORD!! Couldn't sleep with anxiety for you both, and haven't been able to check back this afternoon or evening. I came to the screen with dread, but now can lie down and sleep in peace, for the Lord sustains Kate!!! Praise him for his mercy. .. .it is new every morning (even at 2AM)! Will keep praying (well, when the sun rises). :)s for the hathaways

Our God is truly an awesome God ! ! I am weeping for a total stranger who I feel like I have known forever. God is so in charge of his children. I am so excited for your praise report and give God the glory. We will continue lifting Kate up in prayer and continue to thank God for his goodness and mercy. Continue to thank God for what he has done and is yet to do in your lives.

Oh Dave, that is AWESOME news. I'm tearing up with joy. I knew she'd conquer. Kate and God together are a powerful team!!! :) YAYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!!!!!!! I used to be a cheerleader so it's definitely in my personality!!!! :)Stacy J

Dear Kate and Dave, Praise God for His faithfulness...As I am typing this, I am just reminded of Lamentations 3:22-26.. "Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; it is good to wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord."

AMEN!

As Elisha asked, "Where is the Lord God of Elijah?". He is definitely at work at St John's with the Snodgrass displaying His glory and majesty...for all to see that He is the One and TRue God...Amen and Amen... Love, Linabelle

Praise the LORD!!!!And I have to say that I am just stunned and amazed that the only pain meds she's requiring is TYLENOL. But then again, why should that be amazing. God is awesome like that :)Keeping you all in prayer!

What a blessing! Even though i haven't been posting comments, I have been keeping updated, praying and thinking of Kate. You're doing a great job of keeping everyone up to date and we're praising God with you for his mercy and grace during this trial!

Brothers, as an example of patience in the face of suffering, take the prophets who spoke in the name of the Lord. As you know, we consider blessed those who have persevered. You have heard of Job's perseverance and have seen what the Lord finally brought about. The Lord is full of compassion and mercy.James 5:10-11

Rejoicing in the good news! and praying for patience and endurance for the difficult steps in the journey ahead and gratitude for each step taken. You all are so dear to my heart. Thank you to all the fellow bloggers who by your prayers and concern, lift up not only Kate and Dave, but all of us.Much love,Grammy C

I'm having a hard time typing this as I try to focus through the tears of joy that just won't stop! Praise God!! He obviously has very long arms and very big hands, and I can't even imagine the size of His heart! I'm glad He's by your side holding you. He is an awesome God, and this is awesome news!!

A nice surprise awaited the three boys this morning when they were awaken by their Pop Pop from Indiana. Dave's dad arrived late last night after the boys had gone to bed.So special holiday pancake breakfast was served to all the (S) boys, young and otherwise young.Carter being his mother's son began planning his weekend social life aroung his grandfather. Tonight of course is movie night.Stuart has not left his side all morning. Has helped him with a few household repair jobs. Constantly wants to hug him or just crawl all over him. Aunt Jeannie is correct to say that as far as the boys are concerned she and I are just poo poo next to Pop Pop. We just do not have the allure that a energetic grandfather has with boys. She and I agree that he is most welcome. And thanks to Grammy C for loaning him to us for a couple of days.Gram on the home front

Dear Kate, You don't know me, but I have ben praying for you. Yesterday, I was having breast surgery (cancer), and the Lord laid you on my heart as I was waiting in pre-op. I was studying Psalm 91, a psalm of protection, and reminding God of my 4 young boys who needed a mother, and I prayed for you -- that God would restore you to full health, that you would move your limbs, that you and those you love would have HOPE. For indeed, HOPE has come. And as our pastor said, HOPE always comes in the darkness and is always supernatural in nature. So, wait on in HOPE. And remember, God is FOR you. And God is FOR life.Rest well. Heal well. HOPE well.

About Me

The past few years have brought to my life - two brain surgeries(Craniotomies): Nov 7, 2006 & Dec 12, 2007
Diagnosis: Nov 2006 - Grade 3 Malignant Brain Tumor - Anaplastic Oligoastrocytoma (Mixed Glioma) in R frontal lobe. Dec 2007 - Grade 2 Malignant Brain Tumor (Recurrence - Less Aggressive).
My husband Dave & I have been married 18 years We have three sons Carter 16,
Cole Patrick 14,
& Stuart 10.
God has shown my family and I many things during the trial of brain cancer. May you be blessed by reading the blog. If you would like more specific information please read the archive sections. The comments are astounding.